Category Archives: Uncategorized

Privacy in Manufacturing: Safeguarding Information and Data in a Tech-Forward Era



In this podcast, Shareholder Michael McKnight (Raleigh) and Associate Lauren Watson (Raleigh) discuss the primary privacy challenges that manufacturers face, including pitfalls and best practices surrounding employee monitoring, biometric data collection, and information storage, especially when employers use tools enabled with artificial intelligence (AI) to surveil employees. In addition, Lauren and Michael discuss how manufacturers can comply with various state and sector-specific privacy laws and provide practical tips for manufacturers responding to data breaches. Michael and Lauren offer valuable insights on how manufacturers can balance the need to comply with the various privacy laws, protect their employees’—and the employers’ own—data and devices, and efficiently run their manufacturing businesses in an increasingly tech-forward but regulated environment.


California’s Workplace Violence Law, Part III: SB 553—From Legislation to Implementation



In this podcast, Sacramento shareholders and co-chairs of the Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group, Karen Tynan and Robert Rodriguez, discuss the significant changes brought by SB 553, California’s Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Law, and the implications of its draft regulations. They review specific requirements of the draft regulations and how those requirements may lead to increased costs and overlap with existing requirements such as those in the workers’ compensation system. Robert and Karen emphasize the importance that California employers stay informed and prepare for these regulatory changes.


The New York Retail Worker Safety Act: Key Insights for Employers



In this podcast, Karen Tynan (shareholder, Sacramento) sits down with Stefan Borovina (of counsel, New York) to discuss the New York Retail Worker Safety Act and provide essential information for New York retail employers. Stefan and Karen, who is a co-chair of the Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group, discuss how to determine which businesses are subject to the act, the act’s procedural history, key amendments, and compliance requirements. The speakers also take a deep dive into the act’s training and notice provisions, which take effect on June 2, 2025.


California’s Workplace Violence Law, Part II: Top FAQRobert Rodriguezs One Year Into SB 553



In this podcast, Karen Tynan and Robert Rodriguez—who are the co-chairs of Ogletree Deakins’ Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group—answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) on California’s workplace violence law. Robert and Karen, both of whom are shareholders in the firm’s Sacramento office, review essential training requirements, the importance of maintaining accurate violent incident logs, and best practices for involving employees in developing effective prevention plans to ensure the workplace remains safe and compliant with Senate Bill (SB) No. 553, which went into effect on July 1, 2024.


Privacy and Security in AI Note-Taking and Recording Tools, Part 2: Risk Mitigation and ADMT Regulations



In the second part of this two-part series, Ben Perry (shareholder, Nashville) and Lauren Watson (associate, Raleigh) discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered note-taking and recording tools in the workplace. Ben (who is co-chair of the firm’s Cybersecurity and Privacy Practice Group) and Lauren discuss the various risks and considerations companies may need to address when using AI tools, particularly focusing on data security, employee training, and compliance with evolving legal regulations. They emphasize the importance of conducting due diligence, implementing strong security measures, and providing proper employee training to mitigate potential risks associated with these AI tools.


Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region: OSHA’s Evolving Investigation Tactics and Communications



In this episode of our Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region series, John Surma (Houston) and Frank Davis (Dallas) delve into the intricacies of OSHA’s Rapid Response Investigation (RRI) letter and the emerging trend of OSHA’s use of email questionnaires that the agency doesn’t treat like an RRI letters. Frank and John discuss the implications of these communications, how employers can respond, and the potential legal ramifications of responding to these communications, providing valuable insights for navigating OSHA’s investigative processes.


California’s Workplace Violence Law, Part I: Lessons Learned One Year Into SB 553



In part one of our three-part series on California’s new workplace violence prevention law, Robert Rodriguez (shareholder, Sacramento) and Karen Tynan (shareholder, Sacramento) discuss the lessons employers have learned about workplace violence inspections during the law’s first year of implementation. Karen and Robert, who are co-chairs of the firm’s Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group, explore how the enforcement of the new law, which took effect on July 1, 2024, is being managed and offer insights into Cal/OSHA’s approach to these inspections. The discussion highlights practical tips for employers, the importance of customized training, and the role of the Bureau of Investigation in incidents of workplace violence.


Privacy and Security in AI Note-Taking and Recording Tools, Part I: Risks and Considerations



In the first part of this two-part series, Ben Perry (shareholder, Nashville) and Lauren Watson (associate, Raleigh) discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered note-taking and recording tools in the workplace. Lauren and Ben (who is co-chair of the firm’s Cybersecurity and Privacy Practice Group) explore the benefits of these tools, such as automated transcription and meeting summaries, while also addressing the legal risks and compliance issues, including wiretapping laws, consent requirements, and the potential for data breaches, emphasizing the importance of robust internal policies. The conversation also touches on the need for proper employee training and the implications of using AI tools in compliance with state-specific regulations.


NYC’s Aggressive Enforcement of the Earned Safe and Sick Leave and Fair Workweek Laws



In this podcast, Diana Nehro (shareholder, New York/Boston) sits down with Jamie Haar (of counsel, New York) to discuss the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s (DCWP) rigorous enforcement of the Earned Safe and Sick Leave Law and the Fair Workweek Law. Jamie and Diana provide an overview of these laws, including their requirements, compliance challenges, and the significant penalties for violations. Diana and Jamie also offer best practices for employers to mitigate risks and discuss the DCWP’s audit and investigatory processes.


Cross-Border Catch-Up: The Growing Global Trend of the Right to Disconnect



In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Lina Fernandez (Boston) and Kate Thompson (New York/Boston) discuss the growing trend of “right to disconnect” laws that permit employees to disengage from work-related communications and activities during non-working hours. Kate and Lina explore how right-to-disconnect legislation is being implemented in various countries, including Spain, Peru, Colombia, Thailand, and Canada. Lina and Kate also highlight the importance for global employers to stay informed and compliant with these evolving regulations.